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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Chatting with Local Leaders at the Carlisle Area Chamber Reception
On Tuesday evening, I attended the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce’s Elected Officials Reception. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow elected officials and members of the local business community. I’m grateful for the chance to exchange ideas and discuss shared priorities for our region.
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Honoring an Eagle Scout at the Capitol
On Wednesday, I was honored to welcome Errol “Trip” Huffman III and his family to the Pennsylvania State Capitol to recognize his outstanding achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
During their visit, I had the honor of presenting Trip with a citation and a flag flown in his honor as a symbol of his hard work and commitment. Congratulations to Trip, his family, and Troop 171 on this well-deserved milestone!
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Checking Out Progress at Local Schools
On Thursday afternoon, I toured Eagle View Middle School and Green Ridge Elementary School to receive an update on their ongoing construction projects. It was encouraging to see the progress being made and to hear directly from school leaders about how these improvements will support students, educators, and families.
Investing in safe, functional, and modern school facilities remains a priority, and I appreciate the work being done to keep the community informed throughout the process.
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New Aquatic Center Opens at the Carlisle Family YMCA
Friday morning, I joined community leaders for the ribbon-cutting of the Carlisle Family YMCA’s new aquatic center. This exciting addition will expand opportunities for recreation, wellness, and swim safety for residents of all ages.
Thank you to the YMCA staff, partners, and supporters who helped bring this project to life for our community.
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Meeting with South Middleton School District Leadership
Friday morning, I visited South Middleton School District for an update and meeting with Superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Donnell, joined by Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34).
We discussed current initiatives, district priorities, and the challenges schools continue to face. These conversations are critical to ensuring state policy reflects the real needs of students, educators, and local communities.
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Mark Your Calendars for My Upcoming Events
My office is here to provide a wide range of resources and assistance for constituents. One of the best ways to stay connected is by attending our upcoming events, where I look forward to hearing directly from you.
Legislative Update at Three Pines Tavern
Please join me for a legislative update on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Three Pines Tavern, 36 N. Baltimore Ave. in Mt. Holly Springs.
I’ll be sharing updates about legislation and state-related issues, and I look forward to hearing directly from constituents in a relaxed setting. Refreshments and snacks will be provided at no cost.
RSVP by calling 717-975-2235 or visiting www.RepKutz.com/Events.
Farmers Breakfast
I would like to invite farmers, their families, and FFA members and alumni to attend a Farmers Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 8-9:30 a.m. at Monroe Fire Company, 1225 Peffer Road in Mechanicsburg.
This free breakfast is an opportunity to recognize the dedication of our agricultural community and to discuss state-related issues affecting the agriculture industry.
RSVP by calling 717-975-2235 or visiting www.RepKutz.com/Events.
Telephone Town Hall
I will be hosting a Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, March 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This event is an opportunity for constituents to hear updates from Harrisburg, learn about issues impacting our community, and ask questions in real time.
Residents can participate by phone or join the livestream online. Those with phone numbers on file may receive a call automatically.
Additional details are available at www.RepKutz.com/Events or by contacting my office at 717-975-2235.
Damaged License Plate Replacement Event
I will be hosting a Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on Saturday, March 28, from 9-11 a.m. at my district office, 2 Market Plaza Way, Ste. 9, in Mechanicsburg.
Officers from the Upper Allen Township Police Department will be on-site to assist with damaged license plate replacements. Attendees must bring their vehicle with the damaged plate attached, along with an unexpired vehicle registration card and driver’s license.
Please RSVP by calling 717-975-2235 or visiting www.RepKutz.com/Events.
Document Shredding Event – Mechanicsburg District Office
My office will be hosting a free Document Shredding Event on Thursday, April 16, from 3-6 p.m. at my district office, 2 Market Plaza Way in Mechanicsburg.
This event provides residents with an opportunity to safely and securely dispose of documents containing personal information. A maximum of four boxes or bags per household is permitted. Staples are accepted, but paperclips and binder clips must be removed in advance. This service is available to residential customers only.
For questions or additional information, please contact my office at 717-975-2235.
Document Shredding Event – South Middleton Office with Sen. Greg Rothman
Sen. Greg Rothman and I will be hosting a free Document Shredding Event on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at my district office, 520 Park Drive in Boiling Springs.
This event allows residents to safely and securely shred documents containing personal information. A maximum of four boxes or bags per household is permitted. Staples are accepted, but paperclips and binder clips must be removed prior to arrival. This service is available for residential customers only.
For questions or additional information, please contact my office at 717-975-2235.
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Making Pennsylvania Affordable for Young Families
Young families are feeling the affordability crunch more than ever, and it’s time Pennsylvania steps up.
From exempting essential family items from sales tax, to expanding tax deductions for child care and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), to lowering the barriers to homeownership, I’m focused on policies that help working families get ahead.
If we want young people to stay, build careers, buy homes, and raise families here, Pennsylvania has to be competitive. This starts with good jobs, affordable housing, and the infrastructure to support growth. That’s how we strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and make our communities better places to live, work, and raise families.
I shared more about these priorities, and why my wife and I are proud to plant our roots here, in my full remarks, which you can view by clicking the video below.
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Governor to Give Budget Address on Tuesday
Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his 2026-27 state budget address this Tuesday, Feb. 3, before a joint session of the General Assembly.
It’s important to remember the governor’s address is only a starting point for the budget process. After reviewing the budget, the House Appropriations Committee will hold three weeks of public hearings to review the budget line by line with agency leaders. This will be the first opportunity for House Republicans to provide feedback and develop a fiscally responsible plan. At the conclusion of the budget hearings the House will return to session and begin the work of crafting a budget for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
As always, Tuesday’s House session will stream live at www.PAHouseGOP.com. Session begins at 11 a.m. with the governor’s address to follow.
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Protecting Your Identity
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) marked Identity Theft Awareness Week to help educate people about this growing crime and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Be sure to pay attention to your credit card and bank statements, health insurance claim statements, and your bills. A bill that doesn’t show up as it normally would can be a sign of identity theft. Review your credit reports at least once a year to look for any accounts you may not have opened, and always shred documents with personal information to keep it out of the wrong hands.
The FTC also recommends asking questions before giving out your Social Security number. While it is necessary information for the IRS, your bank and your employer, not every organization needs this sensitive information. The organization also encourages using strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your information from scammers online and on your phone.
More tips about identity theft protection are available here.
A person who falls victim to identity theft may find help from www.IdentityTheft.gov.
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Heating Assistance Program Available
If bitter cold temperatures have left you struggling with your home heating bills, help may be available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,475 and for a family of four it is $48,225. For each additional person, add $8,250 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the Cumberland County Assistance Office at (717) 240-2700.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 10.
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Students Invited to Enter Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition
Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12 are being invited to enter the 13th annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition.
Participants are encouraged to submit a short essay, poem or video that fits this year’s theme: “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?” Student winners will be announced and publicly honored during Financial Literacy Month, which occurs every year in April. Competition prizes will be offered as follows:
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One First Place ($1,500) award for each grade level (9–12).
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One Honorable Mention ($500) award for each grade level (9–12).
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One Grand Prize ($2,500) for the best overall entry.
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Additionally, Harrisburg University will award a one-time, $1,000 scholarship to each student who submits a competition entry and then applies to and is accepted as a full-time student at the university. Harrisburg University hosts the competition in partnership with Pennsylvania Office of Auditor General and Members 1st Federal Credit Union.
The deadline for competition submissions is March 20. Students must submit their entry online here.
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Construction-Related Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is encouraging Pennsylvania students with an interest in the construction industry to apply for its scholarship program.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents; attend a Pennsylvania college, university or trade school with focus on a construction-oriented degree; and pursue education and careers with the goal of building and strengthening Pennsylvania's communities, economy and infrastructure.
This scholarship program is open to graduating high school seniors, as well as current college students who plan to work in the construction industry. The one-year scholarship of up to $10,000 is renewable for up to three years for a student in good standing.
The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarship program is March 1. For more information, click here.
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